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Big money, family pride and a boyhood Suaalii connection: Inside the rise of Australia’s latest NBA star Tyrese Proctor

Tyrese Proctor has revealed his surprise connection to rugby star Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii — and the new Cleveland Cavalier says he’s a long way from satisfied after being drafted to the NBA.

Tyrese Proctor basketball feature art
Tyrese Proctor basketball feature art

Long before the NBA beckoned, Sydney’s Tyrese Proctor was honing his skills alongside an “athletic as hell” kid who would later trade hoops for the rugby field.

Fast forward a decade, and Proctor and Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii have forged a tight bond as they make their mark on the world stage.

While Suaalii’s three-year, $5 million contract with Rugby Australia has generated endless debate, Proctor has quietly penned a four-year, $13.2 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, after the Sutherland-raised guard was picked in the second round of last month’s NBA draft.

As the son of Rod Proctor — a former American college star who moved to Australia to play and now coach the next generation as boss at the Bankstown basketball stadium — Tyrese has had the value hard work and humility drummed into him.

It’s why the 21-year-old remains on his toes, knowing he hasn’t achieved anything yet despite his significant salary.

Sydney-born NBA star Tyrese Proctor, who is back home for a few weeks after being drafted into the NBA by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Picture: Tim Hunter.
Sydney-born NBA star Tyrese Proctor, who is back home for a few weeks after being drafted into the NBA by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“I’m not satisfied — I understand that a lot of guys make that first NBA contract and then they are out of the league within a few years,” Proctor said.

“I think my next big thing is getting that second NBA contract and just being a role player and having a great NBA career.”

Since being drafted Proctor hasn’t had a chance to scratch himself.

He went straight from Brooklyn to the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas where he made his debut for Cleveland.

Tyrese Proctor was taken in the second round of the 2025 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Picture: Getty
Tyrese Proctor was taken in the second round of the 2025 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Picture: Getty

Proctor excelled for the Cavs in his four games, including dropping 35 points in just 28 minutes in a loss to Sacramento. No Australian has scored as many points in NBA Summer League history.

Proctor revealed he was able to truly reflect and appreciate his recent success while on his 15-hour flight back home to Australia.

“That was my first downtime,” he said. “Getting drafted it’s a wave and then it’s to Summer League straight away, so my big flight home was a chance to relax, get off my phone and reflect and let it sink in.”

SUAALII INFLUENCE

Proctor revealed his boyhood connection with former NRL star turned Wallaby Joseph Suaalii.

He played junior basketball against Suaalii in Sydney’s private Catholic school system.

Proctor attended Trinity Grammar School in Summer Hill, while Suaalii was at the King’s School based in Parramatta.

The pair also played together for NSW when they were 11, winning a silver medal at the 2015 Pacific School Games.

“Joseph was good at hoops — he was athletic as hell,” Proctor said about Suaalii, who will line up for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions at the MCG on Saturday night.

“He was dunking everything and he was a great player.”

NBA star Tyrese Proctor (middle) with Wallabies star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (far right). The pair won a silver medal together playing for NSW in the 2015 Pacific School Games
NBA star Tyrese Proctor (middle) with Wallabies star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (far right). The pair won a silver medal together playing for NSW in the 2015 Pacific School Games

Proctor has kept in contact with Suaalii and the pair exchange messages about tips and advice, especially as Tyrese prepares to navigate one of world sport’s most intense professional settings in the NBA.

“We’ve definitely kept in touch,” he said.

“Joseph is amazing and he is doing great things in the football world. He has been a professional for most of his life, starting in the NRL and now moving to union. He is a great person that chat to.

“We’ve had a similar trajectory, but different paths. It’s really cool to see where we have come from as little kids and where we are now.”

Proctor also played junior hoops against Penrith Panthers young gun Paul Alamoti.

“I grew up a rugby league fan,” he said.

“I remember coming home at night and watching replays of games.”

Tyrese Proctor Summer League highlights
Tyrese Proctor Summer League highlights
Tyrese Proctor Summer League highlights

GIVING BACK 

Proctor has spent his recent life abroad in America playing college hoops, but he has never neglected his Australian roots.

The Cavs new signing met Code Sports for breakfast at his family’s long-time favourite cafe in Sutherland – just a bounce pass up the road from his old house.

While in Sydney Proctor wants to give back to the community that helped him reach the top.

He is fittingly attending Sunday’s Waratah Metro junior basketball grand finals at the Bankstown basketball stadium – the arena where he honed his skills as a kid and where his father now works.

Sydney-born NBA star Tyrese Proctor with his dad Rod, who is back home for a few weeks after being drafted into the NBA by the Cleveland Cavs. Picture: Tim Hunter.
Sydney-born NBA star Tyrese Proctor with his dad Rod, who is back home for a few weeks after being drafted into the NBA by the Cleveland Cavs. Picture: Tim Hunter.

He can’t wait to watch his junior club the Sutherland Sharks in action – which will be a special full circle moment.

Proctor’s selflessness was a seed he first planted as an eight-year-old when he told his mother Melissa that he wanted to create a legacy by helping others.

He had also been heavily influenced by the caring nature of his mum – who is the principal at Greenacre Public School in Sydney.

Proctor attended the NBA Academy before being recruited by Duke University. Picture: Supplied
Proctor attended the NBA Academy before being recruited by Duke University. Picture: Supplied

As one of Australia’s latest NBA stars, joining a long list of success stories, Proctor is ready to use his platform to influence and inspire.

“I think it’s important because not all kids make it to the NBA, let alone from Sydney and from the Shire,” he said.

“So, I want to be that one-on-one type of person who gives back to the community and do whatever I can to pave the way and help kids.

“Basketball is in a really good position in Sydney and Australia right now and the competition is definitely growing, so it is my duty to come back, help and pave the way for the younger generation to be involved in the sport.

“I also want to just show my support – so getting to the grand final is a big thing.

“I remember when I was in the 12s playing and how special that game was for me.”

Tyrese Proctor had three seasons with the Duke Blue Devils. Picture: Getty
Tyrese Proctor had three seasons with the Duke Blue Devils. Picture: Getty

Proctor has showcased enormous patience to reach the NBA. His junior Sutherland side struggled to win, but he remained loyal.

He also took the big picture approach during his US College stint with Duke, opting to stay for three years to further develop his game.

It paid off with Proctor starring alongside this year’s No. 1 NBA draft pick Cooper Flagg as the Blue Devils reached the Final Four in the prestigious March Madness tournament.

The boy from Sydney has vowed to continue his patient mindset in the NBA.

“I’m happy to go to the G League just to get better,” he said.

“I will look at it as an opportunity to go and kill. A big thing will be not settling and just going straight to work.

“Then when my time is ready then just attack it with everything I have.”

SUPERSTAR NBA WELCOME

Minutes after fulfilling his lifetime NBA draft dream Proctor received a Facetime call from one of Cleveland’s biggest stars.

Cavs All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell called him with a motivational message ahead of the new NBA season.

“It was a special moment,” he said.

“As soon as I got drafted Donovan called me to welcome me to the club.

“He told me he has been watching me play at Duke and he is happy I’ve been drafted and told me to be ready to get to work.

“He said have a great time with your family at the draft and enjoy the night, but then it’s time to lock in and get it rolling.

“It was cool and nice to have a person like him reach out.”

Proctor believes the Cavs are the perfect club for him to build and become a polished NBA player. He can’t wait to play alongside the likes of Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley and compete for a title.

“I’m definitely excited,” he said.

“The Cavs are coming off a great year – and while it didn’t end the way they wanted after being No. 1 in the East for the majority of the year.

“But with the pieces we have going into the upcoming season we are going to be a great team and definitely contend for championship.”

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell. Picture: AP Photo/Michael Conroy.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell. Picture: AP Photo/Michael Conroy.

BOOMERS AMBITION

Proctor has played a handful of games for Australia, but he is yet to don the green and gold at a major tournament.

He made his senior debut for the Boomers in an Asia Cup qualifier at age 16, while he helped the Aussies win gold at the 2022 Asia Cup in Indonesia.

Now Proctor feels like he is ready for the big World Cup and Olympic stage.

Tyrese Proctor after winning the Asia Cup with the Boomers in 2022. Supplied
Tyrese Proctor after winning the Asia Cup with the Boomers in 2022. Supplied

“I can’t wait and it’s definitely on my goal list to play at multiple Olympics and represent my country,” he said.

“I won the Asia Cup in Indonesia a few years ago, which was a great experience, but I was limited because of college and timing.

“Now I’m in a position where I’m able to play more for Australia, I’m looking forward to it and hoping to bring a gold back home.”

Originally published as Big money, family pride and a boyhood Suaalii connection: Inside the rise of Australia’s latest NBA star Tyrese Proctor

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Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/basketball/big-money-family-pride-and-a-boyhood-suaalii-connection-inside-the-rise-of-australias-latest-nba-star-tyrese-proctor/news-story/e728da5896b77512f54289be56202709